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Written by Robert Clarke - 15 Mar 2008
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Location notes
The main line from Preston, serving Poulton - le - Fylde, terminates at this station. The present station building dates from 1974, and a little plaque commemorates this. At an entrance to one of the platforms are the crests of two railway companies that used to serve the station. These were rescued from the old station building, when it was demolished in 1974.
Incidentally, this was not the original terminus of the line. Outside the station, as you walk down Talbot Road, is the former Fine Fare supermarket building, now owned by Wilkinson. At the entrance to this building is a little blue plaque which explains about Talbot Road station, which was the original terminus of the line.
Railway type and traffic
Since Virgin pulled out, the only trains now are DMUs of Northern, using 142, 150, 156, 158, and 175, and First Trans Pennine express, using class 175 and 185. If any loco hauled railtours come, unless they're top and tailed, a requirement is for the train then to have a brake vehicle at both ends, for the loco to reverse the stock out into the sidings, run round, and propel the stock back in. This ruling (unique to Blackpool North), resulted in a railtour coming here in 2005 with only one brake vehicle, and a class 67 being sent up from Warringotn to haul the stock into the sidings. As the brake vehicle was then on the rear for the shunt back into the platforms, the class 37 was able to do it itself.
Environment
If you're walking to the station, be aware of people around you, and especially at night. The station itself is staffed at all times, so there should be no problems.
Road directions
Blackpool is well signposted off the major routes. North station is on Talbot Road, and look therefore for Central Blackpool, before then looking for North station signs.

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Blackpool North map co-ordinates
Parking
There is plenty of car parking in Talbot Square and West Street (both chargeable), and at the Mecca Bingo/Apollo 2000 gas showroom (thought to be free).
Public transport
The station is well served by trains from Preston National Rail and Metro Coastlines buses serve the area. Rote 2/2C both call into the station car park. The nearest tram stop is Talbot Square/North Pier.
Stagecoach in Lancashire, and stagecoach in Lancaster, both serve the nearby Talbot Square.

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Amenities
There is a cafe and toilets in the station, along with a kiosk. The station is just to the north of Central Blackpool, and other amenities are not too far away.
Accommodation
Try Visit Blackpool.com for details.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Blackpool North

Googly map
Streetmap links
Blackpool North general view map
Blackpool North close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Blackpool North



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Photographic notes
There are ticket barriers installed now so a valid ticket will probably be required to access the platforms. However, I asked the staff at the doors if I could take pictures, and they had no problems. So, always ask.
An alternative shot is to go out the station, turn left, then left again (don't go through the subway), and head down past the Apollo 2000 gas showroom. After passing this, you'll come to a big car park, from where you can get more shots of the station.
One last thing. The station is visible from the top of Blackpool tower!


General views - All photographs © Robert Clarke unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


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